Shigeru Ishiba Retains PM Role Amidst Challenges and Reforms

Shigeru Ishiba has been confirmed as Japan's prime minister after winning a parliamentary vote, despite his party's loss of majority in the recent general election. This leaves Ishiba as a weak leader, reliant on smaller opposition parties to govern. The election setback comes amid economic and geopolitical challenges, including regional tensions and a change in US presidency. Ishiba's immediate priorities include cabinet reform and securing a meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump. The political landscape is further complicated by the influence of Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, who played a key role in Ishiba's confirmation.